IMD having a core circuitry support structure

Abstract

A medical device includes a hybrid circuitry assembly and a core circuitry support structure. The core circuitry support structure includes a frame defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the hybrid circuitry assembly. An outer surface of the frame is shaped to correspond to an inside surface of a core assembly housing configured to enclose the hybrid circuitry assembly and the core circuitry support structure.

We claim: 
     
       1. A medical device comprising:
 a housing for the medical device; 
 a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned in the housing and including alignment notches; 
 a header having a first end and a second end, wherein the header includes a first electrode and an antenna; 
 a second electrode on an opposite end of the housing from the header; 
 a feed-through assembly coupled to the second end of the header, wherein the feed-through assembly is electrically coupled between the PCB and the header; and 
 a support structure positioned in the housing and including:
 a frame with outer walls that define a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the PCB is positioned within the cavity, and 
 alignment features respectively protruding from the outer walls and through at least a portion of the alignment notches. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment features are positioned at corners of the frame. 
     
     
       3. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes exactly four alignment features. 
     
     
       4. The medical device of  claim 3 , wherein the PCB includes exactly four alignment notches. 
     
     
       5. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer walls include:
 a first end wall, 
 a second, opposite end wall, and 
 a pair of parallel, opposed side walls, wherein the first end wall, second end wall, and side walls define the cavity. 
 
     
     
       6. The medical device of  claim 5 , wherein the first end wall defines a first shelf portion, wherein the second end wall defines a second shelf portion. 
     
     
       7. The medical device of  claim 6 , wherein the PCB rests on the first shelf portion and the second shelf portion. 
     
     
       8. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the alignment features is shaped and sized differently than another alignment feature. 
     
     
       9. The medical device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first set of circuitry components coupled to a first surface of the PCB; and 
 a second set of circuitry components coupled to a second surface of the PCB opposite the first surface, wherein the first set of circuitry components extend within the cavity. 
 
     
     
       10. The medical device of  claim 9 , wherein the first set of circuitry components includes an antenna or an inductive coil. 
     
     
       11. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is rectangular shaped. 
     
     
       12. The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes spacer arranged and shaped to maintain a position of the frame with respect to the housing. 
     
     
       13. The medical device of  claim 1 , further including a second feed-through assembly. 
     
     
       14. The medical device of  claim 13 , wherein the second feed-through assembly is electrically coupled between the PCB and the second electrode. 
     
     
       15. The medical device of  claim 14 , further including a first conductor coupled between the PCB and the first feed-through assembly, and further including a second conductor coupled between the PCB and the second feed-through assembly.